A Landlord's Guide to Tenant Referencing: Simple, Step-by-Step Process

Tenant referencing is your first line of defence against late rent, property damage, and tenancy disputes.

Yet with so many steps and services involved, many landlords either skip it or get stuck in the process. That can be a costly mistake.

This guide breaks it down clearly and practically, so you can run tenant references with confidence and ease.

Step 1: Gather the Right Information Early

Before running any checks, collect a complete application from your prospective tenant.

Request the following:

• Full name and date of birth
  
  
• Contact details
  
  
• Employment information
  
  
• Previous addresses (ideally from the past 3 years)
  
  
• Current landlord or agent details
  
  
• Permission to carry out referencing checks
  
  

rentt tip: Our digital forms collect this information up front, so you avoid the hassle of chasing missing details.

Step 2: Verify ID and Right to Rent

It is a legal requirement in England to ensure your tenant has the right to rent.

Acceptable documents include:

• UK or Irish passport
  
  
• Biometric residence permit
  
  
• Home Office status (via share code)
  
  

rentt tip: Right to Rent checks can now be completed digitally, making the process faster, more secure, and fully compliant.

Step 3: Check Employment and Income

You need to be confident that your tenant can afford the rent.

Ask for:

• Employment confirmation (via employer or letter)
  
  
• Recent payslips or bank statements (covering at least the last 3 months)
  
  
• For self-employed applicants: SA302 forms or an accountant reference
  
  

A good rule of thumb: Monthly rent should not exceed one-third of the tenant’s net income.

Step 4: Request a Landlord Reference

This gives valuable insight into the tenant’s past behaviour.

Ask the previous landlord:

• Did they pay rent on time?
  
  
• Did they maintain the property well?
  
  
• Were there any disputes or complaints?
  
  
• Would you rent to them again?
  
  

rentt tip: 

Our integration with Let Alliance provides professional referencing that automatically includes landlord feedback as part of the process. Plus, rentt is more than just tenant referencing—our all-in-one property management platform helps you streamline everything from maintenance to communication.

Step 5: Run a Credit Check

A credit check helps you understand your applicant’s financial background.

Look for:

• County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcies
  
  
• Missed payments or arrears
  
  
• High levels of unsecured debt
  
  

Remember: Credit checks do not tell the full story but are an important piece of the referencing puzzle.

Step 6: Make a Decision and Keep Records

Once you have all your references and reports, decide whether to proceed.

If everything checks out, you can move forward with confidence. If there are concerns, consider:

• Requiring a guarantor
  
  
• Requesting a larger deposit
  
  
• Offering a tenancy with more frequent rent payments
  
  

Important: Always store all referencing records securely. They form part of your compliance documentation and may be needed for audit purposes or in the event of a dispute.

How rentt Makes Referencing Easier

We have partnered with Let Alliance, one of the UK’s leading referencing providers. With rentt, you can benefit from:

• Fast turnaround times for references
  
  
• Reliable and easy-to-read reports
  
  
• Optional rent guarantee insurance for added protection
  
  
• Full digital tracking from application to decision
  
  

You gain peace of mind. Your tenants enjoy a smoother experience. Everyone wins.

Final Thought: Tenant Referencing Is Prevention

Tenant referencing is not about distrust. It is about being prepared.

By running thorough checks, you protect your income, your property, and your reputation, while giving tenants a clear, professional onboarding experience.

Ready to Simplify Tenant Referencing?

Join our rentt pilot programme and receive 10 free tenant referencing checks plus 12 months of premium access to all rentt features.

👉 Register your interest today